Shōta Imanaga’s Camp Explains QO Decision, Optimism for 2026

AP Photo/Nam Y. HuhGiven the speed at which the offseason progresses, it already seems like the whole Sh\u014dta Imanaga contract business happened a long time ago. There’s also a resemblance between that situation and last year’s brief kerfuffle over Seiya Suzuki being shopped in the hopes that he might waive his no-trade clause. With the requisite questions about a rift between either player and the Cubs organization put to bed, at least temporarily, we can move on to what’s next.

For Imanaga, that means playing under a one-year deal worth just over $22 million in the hope that he can rebuild his value after a brutal second half. It was a no-brainer for the Cubs to decline their option on…